While many Northern Texans get ready for the chilly winter days by bundling up and staying cozy indoors, it’s important not to forget to prepare your plumbing system for the weather ahead. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to crack, burst, and clog, leading to costly plumbing repairs and water damage. Thankfully, with a few simple steps, you can prevent these disasters from happening. Read on to discover the top seven winter plumbing tips that will keep your system running smoothly throughout the season.
What Can Go Wrong with Your Plumbing During Winter?
When the winter months roll into the Panhandle region, falling temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Without proper preparation, you may encounter a number of problems, including:
- Frozen pipes: The water inside your pipes can freeze and expand, causing them to burst or crack. This is common in pipes close to the exterior in walls and the garage.
- Clogged drains: Pipes often contract in cold weather, causing water flow to slow and blockages to form.
- Outdoor drain damage: Cold temperatures can also cause the outdoor drain system to freeze, resulting in backups or physical damage.
- Leaking pipes: If you have leaks in your pipes, cold weather will often make them worse, eventually leading to extensive cracks or bursts.
How to Protect Your Plumbing in the Winter
While there’s little you can do about freezing temperatures, there are several winter plumbing maintenance tips you can use to keep your system running smoothly when cold weather hits. From adding extra insulation to simply keeping cabinet doors open, the steps below will help winterize your plumbing to prepare for the coming winter months.
Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
Stagnant water is much more likely to freeze than running water. If your area is due for a cold spell, turn your faucet on and allow it to drip until temperatures warm up slowly. A slow drip will ensure water continues moving through the pipes, minimizing pressure and preventing freezing, fractures, and bursts.
Always drip the faucet farthest from your main water shut-off valve to keep water moving throughout the plumbing system. Be sure to check local recommendations, as some municipalities may require residents not to drip faucets to prevent water system pressure issues.
Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Pipes
Assess your pipes and look for cracks, holes, or small spaces that could let cold air in. Seal these gaps with caulk, expanding foam, or heat tape to prevent freezing or bursting. You can also apply insulation sleeves to winterize your pipes and create a protective barrier around them to safeguard them from the cold. These measures are especially important for pipes in unheated areas, along exterior walls, or below the frost line.
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
When temperatures plummet, water left sitting inside your outdoor hoses will often freeze and expand, putting intense pressure on your pipes. This pressure can lead to cracks, bursts, and other damage to your plumbing system. To prevent this, take the following steps to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the weather turns cold:
- Turn off the faucet to stop the water supply
- Remove the spray nozzle
- Take the hose off of the faucet
- Drain the hose
- Put the hose in a warm, dry space indoors
If your hose is already frozen, remove it from the faucet and bring it indoors to thaw. If you need to use your hose during the winter, you can also place heat tape around it to prevent freezing.
Keep Cabinet Doors Open
Closed cabinet doors can trap cold air inside, leaving your under-sink plumbing susceptible to freezing. If the temperatures drop, open the doors to allow warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes and keep them warm. In especially cold areas, you can use a space heater to provide warmth and prevent the pipes from freezing. Make sure to let the rest of your household know why the doors are open so they don’t close them and trap frigid air inside!
Keep a Consistent Home Temperature
A consistent home temperature is key during the cold winter months. Many set their thermostats to a lower temperature at night or when they leave the house, putting their pipes at risk of freezing and bursting. To prevent pipes from getting too cold, keep your home at a steady temperature above 55 degrees throughout the day. This will also reduce your energy usage and utility bills, as your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to balance the temperature throughout the day.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
It’s essential to know where your main shut-off valve is to stop the flow of water if a burst pipe or other winter plumbing disaster occurs. The valve is often found in your basement, crawl space, or along the perimeter of your home. Familiarize yourself with its location and periodically test it to ensure it works in an emergency. Knowing how to shut off the water supply quickly can help prevent costly pipe repairs, leaks, and further damage to your plumbing system.
Call Frank’s for Plumbing Services in the Texas Panhandle!
Whether you’re dealing with freezing pipes or have more questions about tips to prevent winter plumbing issues, the team at Frank’s Plumbing Repair is here to help! Our expert technicians offer comprehensive plumbing services across the Texas Panhandle, keeping your system running smoothly year-round. From winterizing your system to emergency repairs, we handle it all.
Call us or book online to schedule plumbing services in Amarillo and surrounding areas today! Don’t forget to ask about our Diamond Club Maintenance Program, where you’ll receive scheduled plumbing maintenance and other exclusive benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I leave my heat on when I’m away during winter?
It’s best to leave your heat on during the winter, even when you’re not home. Setting your thermostat to at least 55 degrees will prevent your pipes from freezing, ensuring you don’t arrive home to burst pipes and costly water damage.
How do I winterize my outdoor faucets?
To prepare your faucets for winter weather, turn off the water supply and disconnect the hoses. With the water shut off, open the faucet to drain any remaining water. You can then install faucet covers that protect them from the cold and prevent freezing.
Should I turn off my water supply if my pipes are frozen?
Always turn off your water supply if your pipes freeze. If the water is left on, it can put excessive pressure on the pipes when they begin to thaw, resulting in leaks or bursts. After you turn off the water supply, contact our team for repair. We’ll safely thaw the pipes, check for leaks, and turn your water supply back on when the issue is resolved.
